But she also endured Games disappointment four years ago after cruelly being ruled out of the final by illness, having played her part during qualification for the showpiece race.

A world bronze medallist in 2011, the former world under-23 champion had seen her chances of appearing at London 2012 diminish in April when she was left out of the British World Cup squad.

That came after Knowles had partnered Monica Relph to fifth place in the pairs event during senior rowing trials.

A swimmer with Ferndown Otters during her youth, Knowles took up rowing at Exeter University, where she studied law and geography.

The British Olympic Association announced on Wednesday a list of 48 rowers selected to represent Team GB.

Selections are still to be finalised in the men’s and women’s eight boats but Knowles, 30, missed out on a place in the squad of 10 rowers for the women’s eight, from which eight will be confirmed
in the team and the remaining two will be selected as reserves.